While New Orleans Hornets center and ROY first runner up Anthony Davis made a case for the award, Lillard’s consistency coupled with his great durability proved to make all the difference.

Dillard played in all 82 games this season, averaging a cool 38.6 minutes per game. He averaged 19 points on 46-percent shooting and gave out 6.5 dimes per game.

While off to an exemplary start to his young career—having joined elite company in Oscar Robertson and Allen Iverson as the only three rookies in league history to finish their inaugural season with at least 1,500 points and 500 assists, and having broken Stephen Curry’s rookie record for made 3-pointers in a season, with 185—he is not content with his play.

At the Rookie of the Year announcement, Lillard had some strong words for his fans.

I want everyone here to know that I expect more out of myself next season.”

That’s expecting a lot for next season, but given his performance this year it we can anticipate that he’ll be up for the challenge.